To carry out repair works after 'extensive damage' Highways England have said the hard shoulder between J10 and 10a northbound will remain closed for the next few days.

Barriers and cameras were badly damaged and works were carried out throughout the night to reopen the motorway.

Credit: Antony Sumara

This was a difficult recovery operation as the HGV ended up halfway down the embankment.

All three lanes have just reopened, however due to the nature of the damage, the hard shoulder will remain closed between junctions 10 and 10a northbound for the next couple of days to enable all repairs to be completed.

Drivers should leave slightly longer for their journeys while it is closed as this section of the motorway, near the exit for the M54 motorway, can get very busy. We thank drivers for their patience and understanding.

– Duty operation manager, Martin Stott from the West Midlands Regional Control Centre

On Sunday night Highways England worked with Staffordshire police and V festival organisers to ensure those leaving Weston Park were aware of the motorway closure and could either find alternative routes or stay at the ground overnight.

Organisers of the V Festival in Staffordshire, which is tonight hosting pop's big names including Justin Bieber on his festival debut, have issued warnings about travel delays around the M6 for those heading back down the motorway.

A man has died after a crash on the M6 in Walsall and emergency teams are currently at the scene. The road is expected to be closed well into the night.

Police say a car and van involved in the crash have now been recovered.